<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>template and coding strands, presented in a format that should be clear and helpful:
Introduction
In the intricate process of DNA transcription (where DNA is copied into RNA), two crucial strands come into play: the template strand and the coding strand. These strands are complementary sequences of DNA but serve distinct roles in the creation of RNA Molecules.
Key Differences: Template vs. Coding Strand
| Feature | Template Strand | Coding Strand |
|---|---|---|
| Role in Transcription | Acts as a template for RNA synthesis | Not directly involved in transcription |
| Directionality | 3′ to 5′ | 5′ to 3′ |
| Base Pairing | Complementary to the RNA sequence | Identical to the RNA sequence (except T is replaced by U) |
| Other Names | Antisense strand, Non-coding strand | Sense strand, Non-template strand |
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Strand | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Template | Essential for accurate RNA transcription | Not directly involved in protein coding |
| Coding | Directly reflects the mRNA sequence (and thus protein) | Not used as a template for RNA synthesis |
Similarities Between Template and Coding Strands
- Both strands are part of the DNA double helix.
- Both strands are composed of the same nucleotide bases (A, T, C, G).
- Both strands are complementary to each other.
- Both strands play essential, albeit different, roles in gene expression.
FAQs on Template and Coding Strands
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Why is the template strand important? The template strand is crucial because it serves as the blueprint for creating a complementary RNA molecule during transcription.
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Why is the coding strand called the sense strand? It’s called the sense strand because its sequence is the same as the resulting mRNA, which directly codes for proteins.
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Does the coding strand ever get transcribed? Generally, no. While both strands can potentially be transcribed, under normal cellular conditions, only one strand (the template strand) is used for a particular gene.
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Can the same DNA strand be both template and coding for different genes? Yes, depending on the orientation of the gene, the same DNA strand can act as the template for one gene and the coding strand for another.
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How does RNA polymerase know which strand is the template? RNA polymerase recognizes specific promoter sequences (regulatory regions) on the DNA. These sequences signal the start of a gene and dictate which strand will be used as the template.
Let me know if you’d like any clarification or more detail on a specific aspect!